Sirkelsvlei, Cape Point Reserve

The plateau around Sirkelsvlei was devastated by fire a while back and has been closed to hikers while the veld renewed itself. It has now been opened again and we were indeed privileged to be able to traverse this area yesterday after a night of good showers, clearing as the day progressed into another gorgeous late winter's day of sunshine and cool breezes from the snow-capped peaks on the other side of the bay. Signs of spring flowers to come and renewed growth of fynbos that only thrives after the heat of a fire were all around - a field of yellow moraea like daffodils, striking foliage of mimetes, a handful of babiana on the lower slopes - a promise of a spectacular display within the next few weeks.
The climb up from the carpark at Olifantsbos is fairly steep but brief and once the plateau is reached, an extremely pleasant and easy walk to Sirkelsvlei takes about an hour and a half. The vlei itself is fed by a perennial spring and the photos show it at its lowest level. It is a true oasis in the surrounding low scrub and a lovely place to rest on the rocks that provide perfect perches! Rocky outcrops of sandstone have been weathered over the millennia into fascinating shapes that grip the imagination and are evidence of the relentless effects of the prevailing winds that batter the Peninsula. I love rocks!
We saw two species that occur only in that area - another of the wonders of the Cape Floral Kingdom - and a creeping pincushion and another as yet unidentified by me! So difficult to trace when no book has 9 800-odd colour plates!
At almost 9km and around 4.5 hours, this is a long but not strenuous walk for the moderately fit and highly recommended by me.